The month of March is a popular time for families to take vacations; kids are on spring break from school, the weather is starting to warm up, and the springtime flowers are blooming. There are music and art festivals and loads of other seasonal events to attend during this time of the year.
If you are on a tight budget, the thought of vacationing might seem daunting. Especially because a vacation is usually a time to splurge. However, with the right tools and tricks, you can stay within budget and still enjoy your springtime escape. You might even be able to afford some splurging along the way.
Couchsurf
Couchsurfing.org is a community site with over 5 million members from cities all over the world. Members offer their homes to visitors for a small fee. One of the biggest perks of this site is that you are able to stay with a local-someone who knows the city and can help you explore it.
Some members offer a room in their home while others offer guest homes. If you are traveling to a city for an event (like Austin, Texas for South by Southwest) most locals try to take a vacation to get away from the crowds. They will offer their entire home for a few days.
Use Money Management Apps
There are a multitude of apps that can help you save money. If you are driving to your vacation destination, GasBuddy will tell you where gas is the lowest in your area.
Other couponing apps like Groupon can get you great discounts on food and tourist stops. Using a money management app will help you stay within your budget while you’re on vacation.
Look for Lunch Specials
When you go out to eat on vacation, eat out only during lunch. That way, you can take advantage of lunchtime specials, take your leftovers to go and save them for dinner.
Eating out while on vacation adds a considerable amount to your expenditures. If your hotel has a kitchen, walk to the nearest store or farmers’ market and purchase food to cook. If you don’t have a kitchen, buy ready-made meals at the grocery store.
Stay Outside of the City
If you simply cannot afford to stay in the city, consider staying in a location outside of the city limits. Hotel rates will be cheaper, and you can usually use public transit to get into town. Look for day passes so that you can take advantage of unlimited trips throughout the day. If you have any questions, visit the transit system’s website. The site will usually offer helpful tips for tourists.
Consider Renting a Vacation Home
If you plan on staying somewhere for a week or more, consider renting a home. They usually cost the same as a hotel, sometimes even less. You’ll have a full kitchen, washers and dryers, and a larger space. This is also a great option if you are traveling with family, or heading to a beach destination.
When in Doubt, Ask a Local
Locals will know where the best deals are, which tourist destinations to hit, and which to avoid altogether.
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